The Michigan Wolverines get their first real test of the season on Saturday, when they play host to Wisconsin. The Badgers have already beaten two top 10 teams this year (LSU, Michigan State), but the Wolverines are a different animal - they aren't going to be the next notch on Wisconsin's belt. Here are three reasons why Michigan is guaranteed to beat Wisconsin this weekend:
3) Wilton Speight
The biggest reason for Michigan's success this season had been the excellent play they've gotten out of the quarterback. Speight is in his first season as the starter and is playing like an experienced veteran, throwing for 875 yards and nine touchdowns to just one interception this year. He has total command of this offense and has the whole unit clicking and playing at a high level.
Wisconsin's defense, while very good, has yet to be tested by a team with a dangerous passing attack. Speight has given Michigan that dimension in spades this year, and will continue to do so against the Badgers.
2) Better defense
For how much publicity Wisconsin's defense has gotten, Michigan's unit has actually been better this season. They rank above Wisconsin in passing defense and total yards allowed, and have nearly twice as many sacks as the Badgers. Most of that was without All-American cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who made his return against Penn State last weekend. With all their stars in the fold, Michigan is simply better on that side of the ball.
1) How much does Wisconsin have left in the tank?
The Badgers have already had two marquee games and are in the midst of a stretch where they play Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa and Nebraska. That's tough for anyone, and this is their second road game in a row against a top 10 team. It's fair to believe they might be beaten up, while Michigan is fresh and is fired up for this one. Can Wisconsin match Michigan's intensity, especially in the Big House? I don't think so.
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